Maryland
Autism Waiver Program
Maryland's Autism Waiver is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that funds community-based supports for eligible children and youth with autism spectrum disorder.
Planned availability: Late Fall 2026
Autism Waiver — At a Glance
- Program
- Maryland Autism Waiver (MSDE + MDH)
- Who it supports
- Eligible children and youth with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
- Where delivered
- In the child's home and community, statewide across Maryland
- Service models
- Provider-Led, with a Self-Directed option where authorized
- Authorization required
- Yes — in the approved Plan of Care
- Age group
- Children (17 and under) and transition-age youth
- Learning
- Applying
- Approved
- Planning
- Choosing Services
- Receiving Services
About the Waiver
Designed for Children and Youth at Home and in Their Community
The Autism Waiver is a Medicaid program that helps pay for services in your home and community — instead of in an institution — for children and youth in Maryland who have autism. You must qualify for both Medicaid and the waiver.
Medicaid HCBS-Funded
Funded through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
Family-Centered
Family-centered and child-focused supports coordinated across home, school, and community.
Provider-Led
HAVE Support will coordinate staffing, scheduling, and service delivery once services launch.
Self-Directed Option
Families may maintain control over staffing and schedules where authorized.
Availability Status
Services Are Not Yet Available
HAVE Support is preparing to offer approved services under the Maryland Autism Waiver. Availability begins after required launch activities are completed. The information below describes the services HAVE Support intends to offer; it does not constitute availability of services today.
Individual and Therapeutic Support Services
One-to-One Support for Skill Development
Individual and therapeutic supports help children and youth build behavioral, communication, social, and daily living skills through consistent, individualized support at home and in the community.
Intensive Individual Support Services (IISS)
PlannedOne-to-one therapeutic support delivered in the home or community, focused on behavior, communication, social, and daily living skill development for eligible children and youth with autism.
Available following service launch.
Therapeutic Integration — Regular
PlannedStructured therapeutic group and community activities that help children and youth build social skills, reduce isolation, and improve behavior regulation.
Available following service launch.
Therapeutic Integration — Intensive
PlannedA higher level of therapeutic integration with enhanced staffing and structure for children who need more intensive support to participate safely and successfully.
Available following service launch.
Residential and Home-Based Services
Structured Living and In-Home Support
Residential and home-based services support safety, stability, and continuity of care so children and youth can remain at home and connected to their community.
Residential Habilitation — Regular
PlannedShort-term, community-based residential support for children who are temporarily unable to live safely at home. Time-limited, focused on stabilization and return to the family home whenever possible.
Available following service launch.
Residential Habilitation — Intensive
PlannedA higher level of residential support for children with significant behavioral, medical, or safety needs requiring enhanced supervision and structure. Closely monitored and time-limited.
Available following service launch.
Respite Care Services
PlannedShort-term supervision and support for a child that gives parents or caregivers planned or emergency relief, supporting family stability and caregiver well-being.
Available following service launch.
Family and Caregiver Support Services
Supporting the People Who Support Each Child
Family and caregiver supports equip families with training, coordination, and access so the people closest to each child have what they need to sustain care at home and in the community.
Family Consultation
PlannedGuidance, education, and support to families to help them better understand their child's needs, implement strategies at home, and keep support consistent across environments. Focuses on caregiver support, not therapy.
Available following service launch.
Adult Life Planning
PlannedHelps families prepare for the child's transition out of the Autism Waiver and into adult services and community supports. Focused on planning and preparation — not service delivery.
Available following service launch.
How Autism Waiver services begin
From Enrollment to Your Child's Services
- 1
Enrollment / Eligibility
Medicaid + Autism Waiver eligibility, run by the State.
- 2
Service Coordination
An Autism Waiver Service Coordinator supports your family.
- 3
Plan of Care
Your child's goals and authorized services are documented.
- 4
Authorization
The State authorizes waiver services — not HAVE Support.
- 5
Provider Selection
Your family selects an approved provider such as HAVE Support.
- 6
Service Start
Authorized services begin and adjust over time.
- 1
Enrollment / Eligibility
Medicaid + Autism Waiver eligibility, run by the State.
- 2
Service Coordination
An Autism Waiver Service Coordinator supports your family.
- 3
Plan of Care
Your child's goals and authorized services are documented.
- 4
Authorization
The State authorizes waiver services — not HAVE Support.
- 5
Provider Selection
Your family selects an approved provider such as HAVE Support.
- 6
Service Start
Authorized services begin and adjust over time.
Who This Program Serves
Eligibility Determined by the State
Maryland children and youth with a documented autism spectrum disorder diagnosis who meet Medicaid eligibility and the State's Autism Waiver eligibility criteria. Age and additional criteria apply. Eligibility is determined by the State (MSDE/MDH) — not by HAVE Support.
How HAVE Support Relates
An Approved Provider — Not the Administrator
HAVE Support is preparing to be an approved provider of services available under the Autism Waiver. Once a child is authorized for waiver services and our launch is complete, HAVE Support can deliver services listed in their approved Plan of Care. HAVE Support does not administer the waiver, control the statewide waitlist, or determine eligibility, enrollment, or funding.
How it fits together
From the Autism Waiver to Your Child's Services
Eligibility, the statewide waitlist, and service authorization are managed by the State (MSDE + MDH) — not by HAVE Support. HAVE Support delivers services once they are authorized in your child's Plan of Care.
How it fits together
How an Autism Waiver service fits together
HAVE Support delivers services once they are authorized — eligibility, authorization, and funding are controlled by the State, not by HAVE Support.
MSDE + MDH
State administratorThe State administers the Maryland Autism Waiver and the statewide waitlist.
Autism Waiver Service Coordination
CoordinationYour Service Coordinator coordinates eligibility, the Plan of Care, and referrals.
Plan of Care
PlanDocuments the child's goals and authorized waiver services.
Authorized Service
AuthorizationThe State authorizes specific waiver services in the Plan of Care.
Provider Selection
ProviderYour family selects an approved provider such as HAVE Support.
HAVE Support
Service deliveryDelivers authorized Autism Waiver services to your child and family.
Child & family receive support
Service deliveryServices begin and adjust as the Plan of Care and needs evolve.
Get Started
Join the Autism Waiver Interest List
Services are not yet available. Add your name to the Autism Waiver Interest List and we will contact you as services prepare to launch in late Fall 2026.
Learning trail
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What the Maryland Autism Waiver is
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Ready?
Join the Interest List